The Logan County Fair has been an integral part of Zanesfield area resident Susan Cronkleton’s life since she was a child, so the new fair managing secretary views her role as a way to give back for all that she has gained through the annual event.

While Mrs. Cronkleton spent many summers at the fair during her growing up years, it was one particular day in August before her senior year of high school that she remembers well — the day she met her future husband.

The Belle Center native said she was introduced to Jon Cronkleton, who lived in West Mansfield at the time, through mutual friends, and their group spent the day checking out various attractions at the fair.

When it was time to leave, she helped Mr. Cronkleton carry some items out to the parking lot, and in the process, she made quite the impression on him.

“It was a rainy and muddy day like today,” she said Wednesday following the severe storms that blew through the county.

“While I was walking down a hill, I slipped and fell in the mud, and then ended up sliding down the hill. The 2 liters of pop that I was carrying just went rolling everywhere,” she said with a laugh.

Attendance on the first three days of the Logan County Fair has been lower than hoped for, but organizers expect clear skies and cooler temperatures to improve gate revenue through the remainder of the six-day event.

Monday, only 775 people paid at the gates for a total of $5,427, Secretary Susan Cronkleton said. On Tuesday, those totals rose considerably to 1,292, or $9,045 at the gates. Wednesday’s totals were 1,171 paid admissions and $8,199 collected.

A total of 4,173 season passes were also sold this year.

Comparison numbers for last year were not available.

Mrs. Cronkleton attributed the low turnout to the rain, thunderstorms and hot and humid conditions that have plagued the first three days of the fair.

With forecasts predicted for no rain and much milder temperatures through the weekend, she expects better numbers to close out the fair.

“We’re really hoping for a good turnout,” the fair managing secretary said. “On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with the entertainment we have planned, we expect a good draw.”

Phil Dirt and the Dozers perform in the grandstand at 8 p.m. today; motorcycle racing ensues on Friday, and on Saturday, the fair plays host to an Ohio State Tractor Pulling Association event beginning at 7 p.m.